Major Boost For Oates Vic Open

The 2017 Oates Vic Open received a major boost at the launch event this morning, with Minister for Sport and Tourism & Major Events, John Eren MP, announcing a $1.1 million state funding package. The additional funding will elevate the 2017 event to Tier 1 with equal prize money of AU$500,000 for both the men's and women's competitions.In the five years since moving the Vic Open to Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, the event has attracted major sponsors, drawn huge crowds of golf-tragics, families and sporting fans with its combined men's and women's format and informal atmosphere that sees spectactors walking the course alongside players.We spoke to the CEO of Golf Vic, Simon Brookhouse, and the Victorian Minister for Sport about the rise and rise of the Oates Vic Open.